Breast Cancer Risk in Women with Family History
Author Information
Author(s): Anderson E, Berg J, Black R, Bradshaw N, Campbell J, Carnaghan H, Cetnarkyj R, Drummond S, Davidson R, Dunlop J, Fordyce A, Gibbons B, Goudie D, Gregory H, Holloway S, Longmuir M, McLeish L, Murday V, Miedzybrodska Z, Nicholson D, Pearson P, Porteous M, Reis M, Slater S, Smith K, Smyth E, Snadden L, Steel M, Stirling D, Watt C, Whyte C, Young D
Primary Institution: Edinburgh Breast Cancer Family Service, Department of Clinical Genetics and Edinburgh Breast Unit, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh
Hypothesis
Are current guidelines for familial breast cancer surveillance adequate?
Conclusion
The study found that women previously assessed as low risk had a higher than expected incidence of breast cancer, suggesting a need to reevaluate risk assessment guidelines.
Supporting Evidence
- 28 invasive breast cancers were recorded in 26 women out of the total cohort of 2074.
- The expected number of breast cancers was 14.4, giving an overall relative risk of 1.94.
- The highest relative risk was found for the age group 45–59 years.
- 12 of the 39 tumours occurred in women whose family histories would have placed them in the ‘moderate’ risk category under NICE guidelines.
- Women aged 45–59 accounted for 71% of the breast cancers diagnosed.
Takeaway
This study looked at women with a family history of breast cancer and found that many who were considered low risk actually developed breast cancer, meaning we might need to change how we assess risk.
Methodology
Records of women referred to Scottish breast cancer family clinics were reviewed, and subsequent breast cancer incidences were tracked using the Scottish Cancer Registry.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in risk assessment due to reliance on historical data and guidelines that may not reflect current understanding.
Limitations
The study's follow-up period was limited, and registration of cancers after December 2003 was incomplete.
Participant Demographics
Women with a family history of breast cancer referred to clinics in Scotland.
Statistical Information
P-Value
1.94
Confidence Interval
95% CI=1.3–2.8
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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